Graff Diamonds is known as one of the world’s premier purveyors of diamonds. Recently, on our Forbes.com column, Perfect Timing, we wrote about the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona rough diamond owned by Graff that was said to be the most valuable of its kind in the world. Graff first purchased the diamond oabout one year ago in a $53 milllion deal. It was the intention to cut that rough diamond – the second largest ever discovered — into a host of smaller diamonds to create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for discerning customers to own a piece of that rarity and history. Now, Graff unveils the first approximately 60 diamonds cut from that rough and created in scintillating pieces of jewelry. Each diamond cut from the Lesedi La Rona is D-color.GRAFF DIAMONDS “The cutting of the Lesedi La Rona rough diamond, the largest rough diamond to be found in more than a century, was no small undertaking. It took master diamond cutters and gemologists more than a year of analysis, cutting and polishing before attaining the first 60-plus finished stones. While the main stone is still being worked on, Graff’s master designers took the first cut and polished stones – ranging in size from just under a carat to more than 100 carats each – and have incorporated them into extraordinary jewelry.” Graff Diamonds reveals the first 60 stones cut from the 1,000-plus-carat Lesedi La Rona rough diamond.GRAFF DIAMONDS “Each individual diamond is of D-color (the highest grade for a diamond) and possesses exceptionally clarity. Each is verified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is laser inscribed with both Graff and Lesedi la Rona as proof of unique origin and as authentication. Each will have its own unique GIA number, as well. The first creations include oval, cushion and other fancy-cut...

Recently at the Joaillerie D’ Art Haute Couture Parish Fashion week, where Fall/Winter 2018-2019 fashions were being unveiled, BaroQco showcased some pretty stunning jewelry. Like its name suggests, the company’s creations are inspired by the baroque era where grandeur was embraced. The newest pieces from designers Imelda and Eduardo are designed to surprise and delight. They have incredible details that must be seen in person to appreciate. The winter collection is rigid and makes quite a strong impression — pushing the boundaries of art and craftsmanship. The pieces are made using opal, gold and Swarovski crystals, and all of the metal work is nickel free for environmental reasons. Credits: Pictures : Greg Alexander Bodies : Adeline Ziliox ...

Bridal season — if there is such a thing — is upon us and in steamy hot weather, brides can afford to be a little daring in their dress choices. The hot choice this year: mermaid wedding dresses. Top bridal companies are offering body-hugging, dramatically low-cut incredibly sensual silhouettes that flair only at the bottom for mermaid-like appeal. Let’s face it, what man hasn’t dreamed of a mermaid swimming out of the deep and mesmerizing him? While these top mermaid bridal gowns offer stunning hour-glass glamour … the one thing missing is the jewelry. Long dangle earrings are a must — consider diamonds, or better yet, a pop of color using gems of the sea including coral or pearls. These dresses also cry out for a dramatic plunging necklace –perhaps a tassel of pearls, or even, diamonds mixed with sapphires the color of the sea. Don’t forget a sexy wrap around bracelets and even a seductive watch. Below are a few of our favorite jewelry pieces for that daring bride who wants to show off her curves and her style....

Last week on my PerfectTiming column on Forbes.com, I presented the all-new Cartier Coloratura collection of high jewelry — inspired by cultures and color. Here, we bring you an excerpt from that article and a look at these great gems. “Each piece in the collection is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The series includes individual necklaces, as well as complete suites of jewelry inspired by a specific culture or color. One necklace, inspired by the lanterns used in Asian ceremonies, features a bottle pendant made from a rubellite rough stone that has been hand-carved using the ancient art of glyptic so that it can be filled with perfume. In fact, for nearly a decade, Cartier has dedicated an entire workshop to the art of glyptic, which is supervised by an award-winning master sculptor. The pendant bottle weighs more than 200 carats of rubellite, and the 18-karat yellow gold necklace features beads made of 27.70 carats of chalcedony, 67.66 carats of chrysoprase, 22.21 carats of Morganite, 24.50 carts of onyx, 1.20 carats of orange garnets and more than 5 carats of diamonds. Cartier also unveils an exceptional suite inspired by the brands color combinations used in jewels of the early 20th century. In this suite, the brand combines black and green – using lush tourmalines, rich green opals and black onyx or lacquer for striking beauty. Much like Cartier’s superb art deco jewels of that century, this new suite features geometric appeal, with angled, rectangular and square motifs paired with round shapes. The necklace in this suite is an alluring look indicative of the brand’s artistic skills as a purveyor of fine stones, gem-setter, and high-jewelry designer extraordinaire. Crafted in platinum, the necklace is set with 53.05 carats of tourmaline beads comprising three strands that sway from a single...

Everyone seems to have something to say about the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, to American actress Meghan Markle, who now becomes Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex. From the gown she wore to the car they drove off in for the after party, whether your thoughts are positive or negative, one thing is clear: it was all very elegant. Especially when it comes to the jewels. Markle’s 16-foot-long white net veil was finished with an antique headband style tiara that was on loan to the bride by Queen Elizabeth II. The platinum and diamond tiara and center brooch has 11 sections. The brooch portion was originally made for Queen Mary in 1893 and the bandeau headband piece was made in 1932. The bandeau and broach were given to Queen Elizabeth in 1953. Additionally, the wedding rings were created on order by Cleave and Company, the official jeweler and medalist to The Queen. The band made for Prince Harry was crafted of platinum with a textured finish, while Markle’s ring was made of Welsh gold that had been gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth. Marcelo also wore white gold and diamond earrings and a Reflection de Cartier white gold and diamond bracelet — both made by Cartier. The couple was married at St. Georges Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 19,2018, and departed Windsor Castle after the ceremony in an Ascot Landau carriage. It should also be noted that Prince Harry’s father, HRH Prince Charles, the Duke of Wales, wore a Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph watch in 18-karat gold. More than 2,200 guests were in attendance, and they, too, were bedecked in jewels. Serena Williams, for instance, wore a necklace of 18-karat gold and Roman Imperial silver, circa 1975, with ancient coins dating back to the first century AD...

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